It may be the second-smallest US state, but Delaware still has lots to offer: beautiful beaches, tax-free shopping, picturesque countryside and historic country estates, and close proximity to some of the most exciting cities in the US.
Given this list of attractions, it’s unsurprising that tourism is the state’s third-largest private-sector employer.
Other key industries include construction and mining, manufacturing, retailing, finance and insurance, healthcare and social assistance, administrative work, and professional, scientific and technical services.
Alongside government employment, these sectors were Delaware’s largest non-agricultural employers as of 2012, according to official state statistics.
In terms of geography, Delaware is fairly flat, and has the lowest average altitude of any US state – though there are gentle hills to be found in the north. Alongside state capital Dover, notable cities include Wilmington, Newark and Georgetown.
At just 96 miles, it’s possible to drive the entire length of the state in around two hours. It’s also a good base from which to explore the numerous major cities located in this corner of the US – including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York.
The southern part of the country is known as the ‘culinary coast’, and its combination of fine dining, local produce, beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s studying.
Delaware: Fast facts
• Located in the north west of the US; bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, New Jersey to north east, North Atlantic Ocean to east and Maryland to south and west
• Second smallest of all the US states (only Rhode Island is smaller)
• Divided into three counties – Kent, Sussex and New Castle
• The entire state is just 96 miles long, ranging from 9 to 35 miles in width
• Climate is moderate; average monthly temperatures between 32°F (0°C) and 75.8°F (24°C)
• Known as ‘the first state’, as it was the first of the original 13 states to ratify the convention
• State capital is Dover, but largest city is Wilmington
• Delaware Memorial Bridge, which links Delaware and New Jersey, is the world’s second longest twin suspension bridge
Top universities in Delaware
Delaware’s flagship university, the University of Delaware (UD), ranks in the top 500 of the 2011/12 QS World University Rankings. It has campus facilities across the state, but its main hub is in Newark (not to be confused with the places of the same name in New York and a number of other states).
The university is recognized for its pioneering research work across a range of sectors. As of the start of the 2011/12 academic year, the most popular student majors being taken at the University of Delaware were biological sciences, nursing, finance, psychology and primary-school teaching.
UD’s recognition of the importance of international collaboration and exchange goes way back; it claims to have started the world’s first organized student exchange program as early as 1923.
Today, UD has partnerships with universities in 50 different countries, in all regions of the world, and almost 40% of UD undergraduate students take part in an exchange program during their studies.
There’s also Delaware State University, Delaware Technical and Community College (which offers two-year associate’s degrees) and several private universities, including Wilmington University, Goldey-Beacom College and Delaware College of Art and Design.
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